ICC World Twenty20: India-Pakistan Dharamsala match in trouble

New Delhi: The scheduled India-Pakistan ICC World Twenty20 match for March 19 at Dharamsala is in trouble after Himachal Pradesh Congress demanding either to cancel the high-profile fixture, or shift the venue.

The party, at the meeting of the PCC executive, decided to hold mass protests, rallies and dharnas all over the state to ensure that the Pakistan team is not allowed to play the match.

According to the Indian Express, PCC president Sukhwinder Sukhu had given the Board of Control for Control in India (BCCI) a final ultimatum on the matter.

“We are not opposed to the game but this match between India and Pakistan can’t be allowed," Sukhu was quoted as saying.

He added that Kangra district, which has its administrative headquarters in Dharamsala, is home to a large number of soldiers, including Kargil War heroes like Captain Vikram Batra and Captain Saurabh Kalia and a war memorial is located close to Dharamsala stadium.

”Our party is not against holding other World Cup matches but only opposing the one against Pakistan as it would hurt the sentiments of the people, especially the families of martyrs,” he added.

The PCC also asked BJP MP Anurag Thakur to clarify his stand on holding the match at Dharamshala as he had earlier led Rashtria Ekta Yatra from Kolkata to Lal Chowk ( Kashmir ) to hoist national flag.

“Thakur must clarify as to why he was in favour of holding match despite the opposition from martyrs’ families and general public of the state,” said Naresh Chauhan, Chairman, PCC media department.